{"id":23,"date":"2023-12-18T16:13:33","date_gmt":"2023-12-18T16:13:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/front-matter\/introduction-2\/"},"modified":"2024-01-16T16:20:23","modified_gmt":"2024-01-16T16:20:23","slug":"introduction-2","status":"publish","type":"front-matter","link":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/front-matter\/introduction-2\/","title":{"raw":"Introduction","rendered":"Introduction"},"content":{"raw":"<div class=\"introduction\">\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Everywhere we look, we see the written word: in books, in magazines, on the sides of buses, on the train, on Twitter, in emails, in texts. If we think about the sheer volume of words that we are expected to read each day, the task can seem overwhelming, but we can categorize all those words, which will help us prioritize our tasks.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">In this book, we will focus on professional writing:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">What is it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">How is it different from other types of writing?<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">What exactly will I learn in this book?<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">These are important questions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11222_1766606829\"><\/a>How Is Professional Writing Different from Other Types of Writing?<\/h2>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">One of the best ways to understand what professional writing is by understanding what it\u2019s <strong>not<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11224_1766606829\"><\/a>Professional Writing Is Not Creative Writing<\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">The many forms of creative writing\u2014-memoirs, novels, short stories, poems, graphic novels, movie scripts\u2014-have several things in common. Their primary goal is not to provide the sort of information that will help a reader complete a task. Instead, a creative work is meant to have an emotional impact that allows the reader to share the writer\u2019s artistic vision. We read creative works for the simple pleasure of enjoying the writer\u2019s art. Creative writing does not have to justify its existence. Professional writing does.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11226_1766606829\"><\/a>Professional Writing Is Informational<\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">You may think that it is the subject matter that determines whether a piece of writing is informational or creative, but it\u2019s not. We can write about the same topic both creatively and informatively. For example, let\u2019s say we are writing about cats. Here is a passage from <em>Alice\u2019s Adventures in Wonderland<\/em>:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">[Alice] was a little startled by seeing the Cheshire Cat sitting on a bough of a tree a few yards off. The cat only grinned when it saw Alice. It looked good-natured, she thought: still it had very long claws and a great many teeth, so she felt it ought to be treated with respect.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">\u201cCheshire Puss,\u201d she began, rather timidly, as she did not at all know whether it would like the name; however, it only grinned a little wider. \u201cCome, it\u2019s pleased so far,'' thought Alice, and she went on. \u201cWould you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">\u201cThat depends a great deal of where you want to get to,\u201d said the Cat.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">\u201cI don\u2019t much care where\u2014\u201d said Alice.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">\u201cThen it doesn\u2019t matter which way you go,\u201d said the Cat.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">\u201c\u2014so long as I get somewhere,\u201d Alice added as explanation.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">\u201cOh, you\u2019re sure to do that,\u201d said the Cat, \u201cif you only walk long enough.\u201d (Carroll 1869, 89\u201390)<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">The subject matter of this passage is a request for directions from Alice to the Cat. However, as Alice and the Cat are both fictional characters, and cats do not talk, we know this is from a fictional story. Now let\u2019s look at another way of writing about cats:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Dear Tenant,<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">One of your neighbors told me that they saw a cat sitting in your apartment window. While Green Acres apartment complex is pet-friendly, those tenants who keep pets must pay a pet deposit. According to my records, yours has not been paid. If you intend to keep the cat, please bring me a one-time payment of $250, and expect your rent to increase by $15 a month. You must make your payment by the last day of the month.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call me or drop by the office.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Sincerely,<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Mary Larry 111-111-1111<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">This message was sent from an apartment manager to a tenant via email. Clearly, the message is not fictional. The sender is addressing a real-world problem that requires a real solution. This is an example of professional writing.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\"><a id=\"X49b35fdca3a35f5e13cf6197b7d8ed6053075de\"><\/a><a id=\"X282c92b2c87bbc539fe5693ca4934d7b03146cb\"><\/a>Now that you know what professional communication is, let\u2019s talk about its purpose.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11228_1766606829\"><\/a>What Are Some Examples of Professional Writing?<\/h2>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Professional writing is typically divided into three categories:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11230_1766606829\"><\/a>Instructional<\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">To tell someone how to do something<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Employee handbooks<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Videos<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Infographics<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\"><a id=\"X77df496a23463ff5ff0793812bd90d07f9a5a20\"><\/a>Memos outlining new office procedures<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11232_1766606829\"><\/a>Informational<\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">To provide information about a specific subject<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Reports<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Financial statements<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Meeting minutes<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\"><a id=\"Xed6e5729cf58ff01fea244d394707d6591ae5cd\"><\/a>A memo outlining changes in management<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11234_1766606829\"><\/a>Persuasive<\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">To persuade someone to take a desired action<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Proposals<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Press Releases<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Advertisements<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Memos requesting your cooperation<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Examples of types of professional writing that can occur in any of these categories include<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Letters<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Emails<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Texts<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Memos<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Handbooks<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Reports<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Agendas<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Press releases<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Newsletters<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">While all of these are important forms of professional communication, we will be focusing on those written forms of professional communication you will use most often:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Emails<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Memos<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Short reports<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\"><a id=\"Xf7282b66007a916ce70155791c9fe655a19218d\"><\/a><a id=\"Xa8b8e3affd88b0da9f1c460024e09f87588ec36\"><\/a>However, the principles you will learn are applicable to all type of professional communication, and in the next course, 2700\u2014Advanced Professional Communication, we will practice writing longer documents: instructions, proposals, formal reports, and job materials.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11236_1766606829\"><\/a>Why Do You Need to Know How to Write Professionally?<\/h2>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">According to an article published in <em>Inc.<\/em>,<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Businesses are spending billions each year on remedial writing training, and in a modern workplace that requires employees to spend hours each day sending emails, writing reports, and interacting with clients, weak writing skills can be a major hindrance to business growth (not to mention the damage poor writing skills can do to public perception of a business\u2019s brand.)<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 73.4% of employers want a candidate with strong written communication skills. Written communication was the number three most desired quality overall, behind leadership skills and ability to work as a team member.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">While much of the modern educational system puts a focus on STEM education (that\u2019s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), it seems that now, more than ever, it\u2019s writing that is becoming the sought-after skill in the hiring market. (Moore 2016)<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<table style=\"width: 100%;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr class=\"Table-R\">\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"background-color: #b4c7dc; vertical-align: middle; padding: 5.75pt 5.75pt 0 5.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Tip<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"background-color: #dee6ef; padding: 5.75pt 5.75pt 0 5.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\"><strong>73.4<\/strong><strong> percent<\/strong> of employers value employees with strong written communication skills<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><\/td>\r\n<td><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">You might have chosen this book because you had to, but we hope these statistics have proven how essential writing is to your professional success. It\u2019s easy for everyone to list \u201cgood communication skills,\u201d on their resume without providing any proof, but after reading this book, you will have documented evidence of your skills as a writer! We have written this text so that you can easily find information.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">Look for these study aids:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<table style=\"width: 100%;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr class=\"Table-R\">\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"background-color: #b4c7dc; vertical-align: middle; padding: 5.75pt 5.75pt 0px; width: 7.17912%;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Tip<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"background-color: #dee6ef; padding: 5.75pt 5.75pt 0px; width: 92.2408%;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">This is for tips that can add to comprehension of the subject matter.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 7.17912%;\"><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 92.2408%;\"><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<table style=\"width: 100%;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr class=\"Table-R\">\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"background-color: #afd095; vertical-align: middle; padding: 5.75pt 5.75pt 0px; width: 7.25163%;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Note<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"background-color: #f6f9d4; padding: 5.75pt 5.75pt 0px; width: 92.1682%;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">Every time you see this icon, you\u2019ll know we are providing you with an example of a concept we\u2019ve been discussing. Examples like this help your brain hardwire the concepts.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 7.25163%;\"><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 92.1682%;\"><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<table style=\"width: 100%;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr class=\"Table-R\">\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"background-color: #ffb66c; vertical-align: middle; padding: 5.75pt 5.75pt 0px; width: 6.38145%;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Important<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"background-color: #ffdbb6; padding: 5.75pt 5.75pt 0px; width: 93.0384%;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">When you see this icon, you\u2019ll know we\u2019re providing a clue for success.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.38145%;\"><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 93.0384%;\"><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<table style=\"width: 100%;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr class=\"Table-R\">\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"background-color: #f10d0c; vertical-align: middle; padding: 5.75pt 5.75pt 0px; width: 7.46918%;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Caution<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"background-color: #ffd7d7; padding: 5.75pt 5.75pt 0px; width: 91.9507%;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">Grammar gremlins are everywhere, so look to this icon for quick explanations about annoying grammar gripes and how to solve them.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 7.46918%;\"><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 91.9507%;\"><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">Each module includes four sections:<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-DefinitionTerm\"><strong>Learn<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Definition\">In this section, we provide the information you need to complete the rest of the sections in the module.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-DefinitionTerm\"><strong>Assess<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Definition\">You won\u2019t know if you\u2019ve learned what you\u2019ve read until you test yourself. Each chapter has a quiz that will let you do this.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-DefinitionTerm\"><strong>Engage<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Definition\">The best way to learn is by sharing your ideas with others. These discussion activities let you practice the skills being taught in the module and get feedback from your classmates.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-DefinitionTerm\"><strong>Apply<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Definition\">The best way to learn to write is by writing. Each module includes a writing task that we will evaluate so you can get constructive criticism.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\"><a id=\"X1ea7cbd003469405f98a7976943980a7b23bcee\"><\/a><a id=\"X11b771edaaa1efcfb081826404f358c472c1d88\"><\/a>Let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<div class=\"introduction\">\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Everywhere we look, we see the written word: in books, in magazines, on the sides of buses, on the train, on Twitter, in emails, in texts. If we think about the sheer volume of words that we are expected to read each day, the task can seem overwhelming, but we can categorize all those words, which will help us prioritize our tasks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">In this book, we will focus on professional writing:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">What is it?<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">How is it different from other types of writing?<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">What exactly will I learn in this book?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">These are important questions.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11222_1766606829\"><\/a>How Is Professional Writing Different from Other Types of Writing?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">One of the best ways to understand what professional writing is by understanding what it\u2019s <strong>not<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11224_1766606829\"><\/a>Professional Writing Is Not Creative Writing<\/h3>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">The many forms of creative writing\u2014-memoirs, novels, short stories, poems, graphic novels, movie scripts\u2014-have several things in common. Their primary goal is not to provide the sort of information that will help a reader complete a task. Instead, a creative work is meant to have an emotional impact that allows the reader to share the writer\u2019s artistic vision. We read creative works for the simple pleasure of enjoying the writer\u2019s art. Creative writing does not have to justify its existence. Professional writing does.<\/p>\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11226_1766606829\"><\/a>Professional Writing Is Informational<\/h3>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">You may think that it is the subject matter that determines whether a piece of writing is informational or creative, but it\u2019s not. We can write about the same topic both creatively and informatively. For example, let\u2019s say we are writing about cats. Here is a passage from <em>Alice\u2019s Adventures in Wonderland<\/em>:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">[Alice] was a little startled by seeing the Cheshire Cat sitting on a bough of a tree a few yards off. The cat only grinned when it saw Alice. It looked good-natured, she thought: still it had very long claws and a great many teeth, so she felt it ought to be treated with respect.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">\u201cCheshire Puss,\u201d she began, rather timidly, as she did not at all know whether it would like the name; however, it only grinned a little wider. \u201cCome, it\u2019s pleased so far,'' thought Alice, and she went on. \u201cWould you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">\u201cThat depends a great deal of where you want to get to,\u201d said the Cat.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">\u201cI don\u2019t much care where\u2014\u201d said Alice.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">\u201cThen it doesn\u2019t matter which way you go,\u201d said the Cat.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">\u201c\u2014so long as I get somewhere,\u201d Alice added as explanation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">\u201cOh, you\u2019re sure to do that,\u201d said the Cat, \u201cif you only walk long enough.\u201d (Carroll 1869, 89\u201390)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">The subject matter of this passage is a request for directions from Alice to the Cat. However, as Alice and the Cat are both fictional characters, and cats do not talk, we know this is from a fictional story. Now let\u2019s look at another way of writing about cats:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Dear Tenant,<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">One of your neighbors told me that they saw a cat sitting in your apartment window. While Green Acres apartment complex is pet-friendly, those tenants who keep pets must pay a pet deposit. According to my records, yours has not been paid. If you intend to keep the cat, please bring me a one-time payment of $250, and expect your rent to increase by $15 a month. You must make your payment by the last day of the month.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call me or drop by the office.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Sincerely,<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Mary Larry 111-111-1111<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">This message was sent from an apartment manager to a tenant via email. Clearly, the message is not fictional. The sender is addressing a real-world problem that requires a real solution. This is an example of professional writing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\"><a id=\"X49b35fdca3a35f5e13cf6197b7d8ed6053075de\"><\/a><a id=\"X282c92b2c87bbc539fe5693ca4934d7b03146cb\"><\/a>Now that you know what professional communication is, let\u2019s talk about its purpose.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11228_1766606829\"><\/a>What Are Some Examples of Professional Writing?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Professional writing is typically divided into three categories:<\/p>\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11230_1766606829\"><\/a>Instructional<\/h3>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">To tell someone how to do something<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Employee handbooks<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Videos<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Infographics<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\"><a id=\"X77df496a23463ff5ff0793812bd90d07f9a5a20\"><\/a>Memos outlining new office procedures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11232_1766606829\"><\/a>Informational<\/h3>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">To provide information about a specific subject<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Reports<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Financial statements<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Meeting minutes<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\"><a id=\"Xed6e5729cf58ff01fea244d394707d6591ae5cd\"><\/a>A memo outlining changes in management<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11234_1766606829\"><\/a>Persuasive<\/h3>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">To persuade someone to take a desired action<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Proposals<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Press Releases<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Advertisements<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Memos requesting your cooperation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Examples of types of professional writing that can occur in any of these categories include<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Letters<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Emails<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Texts<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Memos<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Handbooks<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Reports<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Agendas<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Press releases<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Newsletters<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">While all of these are important forms of professional communication, we will be focusing on those written forms of professional communication you will use most often:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Emails<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Memos<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Short reports<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\"><a id=\"Xf7282b66007a916ce70155791c9fe655a19218d\"><\/a><a id=\"Xa8b8e3affd88b0da9f1c460024e09f87588ec36\"><\/a>However, the principles you will learn are applicable to all type of professional communication, and in the next course, 2700\u2014Advanced Professional Communication, we will practice writing longer documents: instructions, proposals, formal reports, and job materials.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11236_1766606829\"><\/a>Why Do You Need to Know How to Write Professionally?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">According to an article published in <em>Inc.<\/em>,<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Businesses are spending billions each year on remedial writing training, and in a modern workplace that requires employees to spend hours each day sending emails, writing reports, and interacting with clients, weak writing skills can be a major hindrance to business growth (not to mention the damage poor writing skills can do to public perception of a business\u2019s brand.)<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 73.4% of employers want a candidate with strong written communication skills. Written communication was the number three most desired quality overall, behind leadership skills and ability to work as a team member.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">While much of the modern educational system puts a focus on STEM education (that\u2019s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), it seems that now, more than ever, it\u2019s writing that is becoming the sought-after skill in the hiring market. (Moore 2016)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<table style=\"width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"Table-R\">\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"background-color: #b4c7dc; vertical-align: middle; padding: 5.75pt 5.75pt 0 5.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"background-color: #dee6ef; padding: 5.75pt 5.75pt 0 5.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\"><strong>73.4<\/strong><strong> percent<\/strong> of employers value employees with strong written communication skills<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">You might have chosen this book because you had to, but we hope these statistics have proven how essential writing is to your professional success. It\u2019s easy for everyone to list \u201cgood communication skills,\u201d on their resume without providing any proof, but after reading this book, you will have documented evidence of your skills as a writer! We have written this text so that you can easily find information.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">Look for these study aids:<\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"Table-R\">\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"background-color: #b4c7dc; vertical-align: middle; padding: 5.75pt 5.75pt 0px; width: 7.17912%;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"background-color: #dee6ef; padding: 5.75pt 5.75pt 0px; width: 92.2408%;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">This is for tips that can add to comprehension of the subject matter.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 7.17912%;\"><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 92.2408%;\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table style=\"width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"Table-R\">\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"background-color: #afd095; vertical-align: middle; padding: 5.75pt 5.75pt 0px; width: 7.25163%;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Note<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"background-color: #f6f9d4; padding: 5.75pt 5.75pt 0px; width: 92.1682%;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">Every time you see this icon, you\u2019ll know we are providing you with an example of a concept we\u2019ve been discussing. Examples like this help your brain hardwire the concepts.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 7.25163%;\"><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 92.1682%;\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table style=\"width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"Table-R\">\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"background-color: #ffb66c; vertical-align: middle; padding: 5.75pt 5.75pt 0px; width: 6.38145%;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Important<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"background-color: #ffdbb6; padding: 5.75pt 5.75pt 0px; width: 93.0384%;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">When you see this icon, you\u2019ll know we\u2019re providing a clue for success.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 6.38145%;\"><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 93.0384%;\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table style=\"width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"Table-R\">\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"background-color: #f10d0c; vertical-align: middle; padding: 5.75pt 5.75pt 0px; width: 7.46918%;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Caution<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"background-color: #ffd7d7; padding: 5.75pt 5.75pt 0px; width: 91.9507%;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">Grammar gremlins are everywhere, so look to this icon for quick explanations about annoying grammar gripes and how to solve them.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 7.46918%;\"><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 91.9507%;\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">Each module includes four sections:<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-DefinitionTerm\"><strong>Learn<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Definition\">In this section, we provide the information you need to complete the rest of the sections in the module.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-DefinitionTerm\"><strong>Assess<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Definition\">You won\u2019t know if you\u2019ve learned what you\u2019ve read until you test yourself. Each chapter has a quiz that will let you do this.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-DefinitionTerm\"><strong>Engage<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Definition\">The best way to learn is by sharing your ideas with others. These discussion activities let you practice the skills being taught in the module and get feedback from your classmates.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-DefinitionTerm\"><strong>Apply<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Definition\">The best way to learn to write is by writing. Each module includes a writing task that we will evaluate so you can get constructive criticism.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\"><a id=\"X1ea7cbd003469405f98a7976943980a7b23bcee\"><\/a><a id=\"X11b771edaaa1efcfb081826404f358c472c1d88\"><\/a>Let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"menu_order":1,"template":"","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"front-matter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-23","front-matter","type-front-matter","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/front-matter\/23","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/front-matter"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/front-matter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/front-matter\/23\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":104,"href":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/front-matter\/23\/revisions\/104"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/front-matter\/23\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"front-matter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/front-matter-type?post=23"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=23"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=23"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}